Cracked heels are a common foot problem that can cause discomfort, dryness, and even pain. Fortunately, foot creams specially formulated with hydrating and exfoliating ingredients can help soften and repair dry, rough skin. In this article, we’ll explore potential causes of cracked heels and review some effective creams that may offer relief.
Causes of Cracked Heels
Several factors can contribute to the development of cracked heels, including:
- Prolonged standing, which puts increased pressure on the heels
- Wearing open-backed shoes that lack proper heel support
- Using harsh soaps that strip the skin of its natural oils
- Exposure to cold, dry weather that reduces skin moisture
- Certain medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism or diabetes, which can exacerbate dry skin
Understanding these causes can help you take steps to prevent and treat cracked heels, such as using a high-quality cream designed specifically for this purpose.
What to Look for in a Cracked Heel Cream?
When selecting a cracked heel cream, consider the following features:
- Moisturising Agents: Ingredients like urea, glycerin, and shea butter help retain skin moisture.
- Exfoliants: Ingredients such as salicylic acid assist in removing dead skin layers.
- Soothing Botanicals: Natural oils and extracts like tea tree oil or aloe vera may soothe inflammation and support healing.
- Fragrance-Free Options: Ideal for sensitive skin types.
Choose a product that matches the severity of your condition and your personal skin needs.
Best Creams for Cracked Heels
Here are the top 10 creams for softening and healing dry, cracked feet:
| Sr. No. | Product Name | Key Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sunny Herbals Foot Cream | Urea, Essential Oils |
| 2 | Biofoot Cream | Salicylic Acid, Tea Tree Oil |
| 3 | Alloes Foot Tos Cracked Heel Cream | Aloe Vera, Lanolin |
| 4 | Diafoot Cream | Urea, Tea Tree Oil |
| 5 | Diabetic Neuropathy Foot Cream | Urea, Salicylic Acid |
| 6 | Emlosoft Foot Cream 15g | Urea, Glycerin |
| 7 | Fixderma Foot Cream | Salicylic Acid, Shea Butter |
1. Baksons Sunny Herbals Foot Cream
This cream contains urea and essential oils, which work together to soften and moisturise dry, cracked heels. The combination of ingredients helps to exfoliate dead skin cells while providing deep hydration to the skin.
2. Biofoot Cream
Formulated with salicylic acid and tea tree oil, Biofoot Cream offers exfoliation and antiseptic properties. The salicylic acid helps to remove dead skin, while the tea tree oil fights bacteria and fungus that can contribute to foot odour and infections.
3. Alloes Foot Tos Cracked Heel Cream
This cream features aloe vera and lanolin, which offer soothing and moisturising effects. Aloe vera helps to calm irritated skin, while lanolin creates a protective barrier to prevent further moisture loss.
4. Diafoot Cream
Containing urea and tea tree oil, Diafoot Cream provides both moisturising and antiseptic benefits. Urea helps to hydrate and soften the skin, while tea tree oil fights against bacterial and fungal growth.
5. Dr Foot Diabetic Neuropathy Foot Cream
Designed specifically for those with diabetic neuropathy, this cream includes urea and salicylic acid. These ingredients work together to exfoliate dead skin cells and provide intense moisturisation, helping to prevent further cracking and complications associated with diabetes.
6. Emlosoft Foot Cream 15 g
Emlosoft’s 15g foot cream offers urea and glycerin to intensely hydrate and protect the skin. This concentrated formula helps to soften and smooth dry, cracked heels, making it ideal for those who need a powerful moisturising treatment.
7. Fixderma Foot Cream
Fixderma’s foot cream combines the exfoliating power of salicylic acid with the deep moisturising properties of shea butter. This combination helps to remove dead skin cells while providing long-lasting hydration to prevent future cracking and dryness.
How to Choose the Best Foot Cream for You?
Selecting the right foot cream is crucial for effectively treating cracked heels. Consider the following factors when making your choice:
- Look for creams containing urea, glycerin, or ceramides, which provide deep hydration and promote skin repair.
- Choose a cream that suits your skin type. If you have sensitive skin, opt for fragrance-free formulations.
- For severely dry skin, select a thick, rich cream that offers intensive moisture.
By keeping these points in mind, you can find a foot cream that effectively addresses your specific needs and helps heal your cracked heels. Once you’ve chosen the perfect cream, it’s essential to know how to use it for the best results.
| DIY Nourishing Foot Cream Ingredients: 2 tbsp shea butter (deeply moisturizes) 1 tbsp coconut oil (softens rough skin) 1 tbsp almond oil (rich in vitamin E) 5 drops peppermint essential oil (refreshes and soothes) Instructions: 1. Melt shea butter and coconut oil using a double boiler. 2. Remove from heat and mix in almond oil and peppermint oil. 3. Let it cool slightly, then whip until creamy. 4. Store in a jar and apply before bedtime for soft, refreshed feet. |
How to Use Heel Cream for the Fastest Results
To achieve the fastest and most effective results when using a heel cream, follow these simple steps:
- Begin by soaking your feet in warm water to soften the skin and prepare it for treatment.
- Gently exfoliate your feet using a pumice stone or foot scrubber to remove dead skin cells.
- While your skin is still damp, apply a generous amount of heel cream, focusing on the cracked and dry areas.
- For optimal absorption, cover your feet with breathable socks and leave the cream on overnight or throughout the day.
By incorporating these techniques into your foot care routine, you can maximise the benefits of your chosen heel cream and experience softer, smoother, and healthier-looking feet in no time.
Also Read: Effective Home Remedies for Cracked Heels
How to Prevent Cracked Heels Permanently
Preventing cracked heels is a long-term commitment that involves regular foot care and lifestyle changes. Here are some key steps you can take to keep your heels smooth and soft:
- Moisturise your feet daily with thick, nourishing creams or ointments to lock in hydration and prevent dryness.
- Choose supportive, closed-toe shoes that fit well and protect your heels from friction and pressure.
- Limit prolonged standing and avoid exposing your feet to extreme temperatures, which can exacerbate dryness and cracking.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day to maintain skin moisture from the inside out.
By incorporating these preventive measures into your daily routine, you can effectively combat cracked heels and enjoy softer, healthier feet. Now, let’s wrap up our discussion with some final thoughts.
Conclusion
Cracked heels can be a frustrating and uncomfortable problem, but with the right approach, you can successfully soften and heal your dry feet. By choosing creams formulated with potent ingredients like urea, salicylic acid, and alpha-hydroxy acids, you can effectively target rough, thickened skin and restore moisture. Additionally, adopting good foot care habits, such as regular moisturising and wearing appropriate footwear, can help prevent cracked heels from recurring. With consistent effort and the best creams for your needs, you can bid farewell to dry, cracked heels and enjoy the comfort of soft, smooth feet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Cracked heels are primarily caused by dryness, pressure, or medical conditions that affect skin integrity.
Yes, urea helps soften thickened skin and improves hydration, making it beneficial for cracked heels.
For best results, apply heel cream at least once daily, ideally after bathing or before bedtime.
Disclaimer
This content is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition.
References
- Gadade Pooja, Aniket Gadekar, Aniket Gorshetwar, & Payali Gawali. (2024). Formulation and evaluation of Heel Repair Cream by using Turmeric & Mustard oil. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.11073366
- Nipanikar, S. U., Mundhe, N. B., Gajare, K. V., & Deshmukh, P. J. (2023). Evaluation of efficacy and safety of Amarantha footcare cream in subjects suffering from cracked heels (xerosis of the feet): A randomized, open labeled, multi-centric, comparative, interventional, prospective, clinical study. Journal of Indian System of Medicine, 11(1), 14–20. https://doi.org/10.4103/jism.jism_96_22
- Raut, Ms. Priyanka., Mishra, Mrs. Manisha., Gayatri Bawane, Ayushi Ambade, Khan, A. A., Thakur, A., & Isha Patle. (2024). Formulation And Evaluation Of Herbal Anti-Bacterial Crack Heel Ointment Using Thuja Occidentalis Leaves Extract And Euphorbia Caducifolia Juice. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 02(04). https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10968574
- ISRCTN Registry. (2022). Evaluation of foot care creams for heel fissures. https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN63765263